Rain damage: PDMA reports 21 casualties; PMD forecast more rain

PESHAWAR: Devastating heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that at least 21 individuals lost their lives in various incidents across the province.

Among the casualties are nine children and three women as well.

21 killed, several injured as rains ravages in KP

The recent deluge triggered 330 incidents of roof and wall collapses, resulting in the destruction of 53 houses and damaging another 277, as per PDMA figures. Additionally, 32 people sustained injuries in the aftermath of the heavy rains.

In response to the crisis, PDMA has initiated relief efforts, distributing 200 tents, blankets, mosquito nets, and mattresses to affected families, along with 100 kitchen sets and mats each.

The situation has escalated as the Met Office warns of more rainfall across the country.

Rain emergency: Balochistan govt closes schools for two days

Balochistan has also been severely affected, prompting the provincial government to declare a rain and flood emergency. Heavy rains in districts including Kohlu, Musa Khel, and Zhob have resulted in casualties and extensive damage to property.

Furthermore, hailstorms accompanied by strong winds have battered areas like Chaman, Qila Abdullah, and Ziarat, causing destruction to trees, gardens, and solar panels.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts intermittent rains in all four provinces due to a new Westerly wave expected to enter the country. Balochistan is likely to experience heavy rains and thunderstorms from April 16 to 19, with similar weather conditions expected in KP from April 17 to 21. Punjab, Islamabad, and Sindh are also set to receive rainfall from April 18 to 21, as per the Met Office predictions.

Weather update: dry spell in plains; thunderstorms up north

The recent spate of heavy rains has already claimed lives in Balochistan and Punjab, with lightning strikes causing fatalities. At least 16 deaths were reported in South Punjab, while Balochistan witnessed eight fatalities due to lightning incidents.